It is commonly used as a preservative (preservatives are the substances added to food to prevent undesirable chemical changes or decompositions by microbial growth) found in many soft drinks and foods, including:

syrups;

pickles;

olives;

fruit juices;

condiments;

sauces;

jams;

carbonated drinks;

vinegar;

salads.

Cosmetics

To prevent bacteria from contaminating these health and beauty products, many producers add this compound to:

Alzheimer’s is the most frequent form of dementia, a medical term for memory loss and other cognitive problems. The exact cause of the disease is not yet fully understood, however, some factors are believed to increase the risk of developing the condition, such as:

According to a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, E221 has positive results for Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.

Multiple Sclerosis

According to a 2009 study that was published in the “Journal of Immunology,” E221 has a potential use in helping treat multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, commonly disabling disease of the CNS (central nervous system) which disrupts the flow of information between the brain and body, and within the brain.

Multiple sclerosis is about 2 to 3 times more common in women than men. Also, it is most frequently diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, however, it can develop at any age.

Hyperammonemia

Sodium benzoate is combined with sodium phenylacetate (the sodium salt form of phenylacetate) to treat hyperammonemia, a condition which is characterized by elevated levels of ammonia in the blood.

Cancer

In combination with ascorbic acid, sodium benzoate may form benzene. Chronic exposure to benzene can significantly reduce the production of both white and red blood cells from bone marrow, possibly leading to aplastic anemia.

More importantly, long-term exposure to benzene can cause cancer of the blood-forming organs. According to studies, benzene causes acute myeloid leukemia (a type of cancer which is characterized by an overproduction of immature white blood cells).

Also, there is limited evidence that benzene may also cause multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

DNA Damage

According to the data, E221 itself can damage DNA by attacking the cells’ mitochondria.

Mitochondria are rod-shaped organelles which can be considered the power generators of the cell, transforming nutrients and oxygen into adenosine triphosphate.

Also, the mitochondria are involved in other cellular activities, such as – cellular differentiation, signaling, and cell senescence. Plus, mitochondria control cell growth and cell cycle.

The parts of the human body, like – the brain, heart, lungs, and muscles, requiring the highest amounts of energy, are the most affected.

How To Avoid Sodium Benzoate and Other Chemicals

If you’re concerned about consuming food preservatives like sodium benzoate, be sure to check the ingredient lists of the products you purchase. In addition:

Grow Your Own Vegetables and Fruits In Your Garden

The only way to be sure that you are eating 100 percent organic products is by growing them yourself.

Always Wash Fruits and Veggies Before Eating Them

This is probably the most important rule if you want to stay on the food safety side – even if you have just picked your vegetables and fruits up from your garden, always wash them before eating them.

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